Science and learning toys are more than just fun, they’re a powerful way to help kids learn and grow. These kinds of gifts encourage curiosity, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, setting kids up with skills they’ll use for a lifetime. 

Whether they’re growing crystals, building robots, or peering through a microscope, these activities boost critical thinking, patience, and even teamwork when shared with friends or family. 

A simple science gift this Christmas could spark a lifelong love of science or a career in medical research. One day, they might even take healthy further as a HMRI researcher.  

University of Newcastle’s, Dr. Caitlin Romanis, from HMRI’s Cancer Detection and Therapy Research Program, knows a thing or two about inspiring young minds. As co-founder of the CDT Science Club, she’s passionate about making science fun and accessible and recommends these gifts. 

National Geographic Science kits 

Dr Romanis says, “They have kits for four-year-olds right up to teens. They have everything from making your own slime and volcanoes, right through to making your own make-up. My favourite is the Super Gross Chemistry set!” 

Physical sciences 

“For kids who like geology and archaeology, you can get fossil kits where you can dig stuff out,” says Dr Romanis.  

Living things 

“Sea monkeys are great! You can also buy these little mini-greenhouses (terrariums) and create your own mini garden or forest, and – depending on the Customs situation from the USA – you can buy dinoflagellates (from PyroFarms), microbes that bioluminesce when you shake them up,” says Dr Romanis.  

“Another good option is a bug-catching kit so you can go exploring outside,” she says. 

Hot stuff 

“There are these things called Shrink Plastic Sheets where you draw or paint a picture and then you heat it with a hairdryer to shrink it. These are really cheap and a quick lesson in thermodynamics,” says Dr Romanis.  

Microscopes 

“The best present I ever received was when I was 14 or 15. My parents realised I was serious about science and bought me a mini-confocal microscope. I would make people spit on a slide so I could look at it,” laughs Dr Romanis.  

Robots 

“These are more expensive but you can buy build-your-own robot kits. These are great for older kids,” says Dr Romanis.  

99 Science Experiments 

If you don’t want to spend a single cent but you’re looking for something to do with your kids over the holidays, there’s a YouTube clip called 99 Science Experiments that you can check out!

About the CDT Science Club 

The CDT Science Club is a researcher-led initiative designed to inspire and engage students at the John Hunter Hospital School by diving into their most burning science questions. Founded by Dr. Caitlin Romanis and Dr Luiza Steffens Reinhardt, the club brings science to life through hands-on learning and interactive discussions, fostering curiosity and a love for discovery. 

In addition to her work with the club, Dr. Romanis is a bioinformatician and cancer researcher, dedicated to advancing health through innovative research and education.